Life really is what you make it. I know that sounds so cliche, but it’s true. You have the chance to turn a bad thing around into something good. How? By changing your focus. If you spend your time constantly looking at the bad things happening around you, you will end up missing those small yet amazingly great things that happen every day. Things like…

a caring hug from a friend
a funny comment from your child
a laugh
a smile
air-conditioning on a hot day
peace and quiet for 5 minutes in a busy home
take-out
an unexpected letter of thanks
a cloud shaped like a bear
an empty laundry basket
a day without falls
a nap…or two
chocolate
a parking spot right in front
a holiday
the perfect pancake
the smell of fresh cut grass
a rainbow
a new book
a forgotten ten dollar bill in your pocket
music

So many things…every day…things that we take for granted, yet have the potential to make our day less painful and possibly even come with a laugh or a giggle.

Stop and look around you. Even today, with all you have happening, it’s a good day. I know it’s not easy, but try not to look at the struggle. I understand that living with Multiple Sclerosis has its problems. They are real and they hurt. I’m not saying you should pretend they don’t exist. I’m just saying change what you are looking at.

If you spend your time focused on the pain in your life, the pain will be what grows. At times it can become bigger than life itself. Yet if you shift your focus to those little surprises in your day…those wonderful smiles that are handed to you…you will discover the pain will begin to lessen.

The struggles, disappointments and pain won’t go away entirely, but they will no longer be so overwhelming. The more you search for the good, the more you will find it and the easier your day will be to get through. Try it. You just might be surprised at what you find.

About the Author

About the Author

Penelope Conway
Penelope started Positive Living with MS as a way to help others with MS stay positive in the midst of a terrible disease. She believes that staying positive and holding onto hope is the key to waking up each morning with the strength to get through the day. Multiple Sclerosis may never go away, but neither will her determination and her drive to help others through the journey.

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http://positivelivingwithms.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/takeasmile.jpg285850Penelope Conwayhttp://positivelivingwithms.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/plwms_largelogo2.pngPenelope Conway2017-08-22 07:13:022017-08-22 07:13:02Yes, I live with Multiple Sclerosis and still smile

I have a lovely Filipina helping me shower on Monday mornings and when I told her about the weekend she thought I was talking about a university party and diot understand what a UTI was. We had a good laugh about that which made me happy for a good change

A giggle or hugs from complete strangers is always the tonic that picks me up! I’m always smiling because if I’m out, of course it’s a good day. Smiling is the way I connect with most people. I’m in an electric scooter. It helps me to get out and enjoy those small little things in life. Children, animals and their parents are always ready to talk, pet the dog or help me get something from the top self. Seems so many things I need is on the top self.. weirdSmile and the world will smile back at you

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About Positive Living with MS

Positive Living with MS was started by Penelope Conway who was diagnosed with MS in 2013. She found few resources for positive encouragement; to laugh, cry, share, and just feel normal in the midst of a life of chaos; so she decided to start something herself. Positive Living with MS was birthed out of Penelope’s desire to show others that regardless of the challenge, we can all enjoy life to the fullest and find a smile in the storm.